Musk, who was born in South Africa, speculated: “Looks like early liquid oxygen depletion caused engine shutdown just above the deck.”

SpaceX sends a rocket into space about once a month carrying satellites for nations, private companies and providing supplies for the International Space Station.

The father-of-five shared his plans for rocket upgrades with his followers: “Upgrades underway to enable rocket to compensate for a thrust shortfall on one of the three landing engines. Probably get there end of year.”